Brisket is a cut of beef that comes from the front, underside section of the cow, just above the forelegs. Since a whole brisket can weigh as much as 13 pounds, it is often divided into two smaller portions, the flat cut and the point cut, with the point cut containing a larger amount of fat and connective tissue. These brisket cuts are most often associated with corned beef and have a reputation for being unhealthy and calorie-laden. However, both MayoClinic.com and BeefNutrition.org report that the USDA categorizes a flat cut brisket as a lean cut of beef. A single serving of flat cut beef brisket also provides a variety of essential nutrients.

Protein

One 3-ounce serving of brisket contains 28 grams of protein, or 51 percent of the recommended daily allowance of protein for a healthy adult. Unlike protein obtained from plant sources, the protein from beef cuts like brisket is considered complete protein, meaning that all of the essential amino acids required by the body to synthesize protein compounds are present. Research published in the "Journal of Nutrition" indicates that diets which include lean, complete protein such as brisket can support weight loss.

Fat

Brisket contains approximately 6 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat and 80 milligrams of cholesterol in every 84-gram, 3-ounce serving. These totals fall below the USDA's specifications that lean cuts of beef should have no more than 10 grams of total fat and 4.5 grams saturated fat, making brisket eaten in moderation an appropriate part of a healthy diet. In addition, one of the fatty acids contained in beef, conjugated linoleic acid, may help prevent diabetes, high cholesterol and cancer cell growth.

Vitamins

One serving of beef brisket is a significant source of the B vitamins, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin and niacin. Of these B vitamins, which are used by the body for efficient energy metabolism, 3 ounces of beef contains 37 percent of the RDA for vitamin B12, 15 percent of the RDA for vitamin B6, 17 percent of the amount of niacin required daily and 12 percent of the recommended intake of riboflavin. BeefNutrition.org points out that in order for you to obtain the same amount of vitamin B12 from chicken as you get from a serving of beef, you would need to eat nearly eight 3-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Minerals

Brisket contains high concentrations of minerals like zinc, iron, phosphorus and selenium. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that many people have low levels of zinc and that beef brisket, which provides 38 percent of your daily requirement of zinc per serving, is a more readily absorbable source of the mineral than zinc contained in plant-based foods. Every serving of brisket provides 14 percent of your RDA of iron, and also improves the digestive system's ability to absorb iron from plant foods. Brisket also contains 26 percent of the daily recommended intake of selenium and 20 percent of your daily requirement of phosphorus.

About the Author

Michelle Kerns writes for a variety of print and online publications and specializes in literature and science topics. She has served as a book columnist since 2008 and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. Kerns studied English literature and neurology at UC Davis.